Project Description:With the growing emphasis on
increasing the number of graduates, a new partnership by a southern New Jersey
masters’ institution and an area community college takes a novel approach that
will improve completion rates while creating winning options for both the students
and the colleges. The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and Atlantic Cape
Community College signed an articulation agreement that features a traditional
dual degree program plus features a “reverse transfer” or “reverse back”
provision that breaks new ground. This novel program addresses the issue of
community college students transferring out before they earn an associate
degree.

Objectives:Atlantic Cape students who
transfer to Stockton with a minimum of 32 approved credits will obtain an
associate degree after completing an additional 32 credits of approved courses
at Stockton. They will then be counted in Atlantic Cape’s graduation rate.
These same students will be motivated to achieve a bachelor degree from
Stockton, thereby adding to their academic credentials and increasing their
employability.

Outcomes:

Expected outcomes:

Atlantic Cape will see an increase in enrollment
from students who ultimately plan to attend Stockton.

Atlantic Cape will experience higher graduation
rates as students are awarded the associate degree through the reverse transfer
feature.

Stockton will have expanded admission options
through this additional transfer student pathway.

Challenges/Problems Encountered:Strong coordination is needed between Stockton’s admissions office and Atlantic Cape’s transfer counselors to assure that program requirements and program eligibility standards are maintained at both institutions.

Evaluation Approach:The number of students completing the AA degree at Stockton and the increase in graduation records for Atlantic Cape Community College will be the evaluation determinants.

Potential for Replication:The potential exists for The Richard Stockton College to enter into comparable agreements with all nineteen NJ community colleges. Discussions are already underway with two other community colleges. Evidence suggests that any public master’s institution could effectively implement a similar partnership with a community college involving the granting of a reverse-transfer two-year degree.